An EU-backed initiative merges breaking and coaching to support a new generation, with a major international stop at Check The Style 2026
In a Europe where younger generations are navigating mounting pressures—from the pervasive influence of social media to the lingering effects of post-pandemic isolation—projects that address well-being through unconventional paths are gaining renewed relevance. Among them is Breaking The Walls, an initiative supported by the European Union that brings together mental health coaching and breaking, the expressive and athletic discipline rooted in hip hop culture.
After a series of sessions hosted across Italy, Portugal, and Slovakia, the project continues its 2026 program with a prominent international gathering in L’Aquila. The event will unfold within the framework of Check The Style (21–24 May 2026), one of the most established competitions in the global breaking scene.
The L’Aquila stage represents a pivotal moment in the project’s trajectory. Participants—who have been involved in a year-long path—will engage in two dedicated workshops led by internationally recognized breakers alongside a specialist in Dance Movement Therapy, a discipline increasingly acknowledged within psychological research for its integration of body movement and emotional processing.
“With Breaking The Walls, we aim to show young people the importance of self-discovery and self-improvement, and to foster mental resilience and the ability to build positive relationships. This is especially important in an age where Gen Z appears highly connected online, yet often disconnected in their offline lives,” says Enrico Signa, founder of the project. “Our approach draws on Dance Movement Therapy, an increasingly studied and recognized field within psychology, combining artistic and athletic expression, such as breaking, with mental coaching.”
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Enrico Signa, founder of the project
The initiative’s broader ambition is to offer Generation Z concrete tools for emotional awareness and resilience, while also creating spaces for international exchange. By operating across multiple European contexts, the project encourages encounters that transcend cultural boundaries and foster shared experiences.
The L’Aquila event will also stand out for its high-profile guests. Among the anticipated figures are Phil Wizard and B-girl Ami, both returning from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, underscoring the growing global relevance of the event.
“Our event in L’Aquila will feature some of the most prominent personalities in the hip hop scene, such as Phil Wizard and B-girl Ami, fresh from the Paris Olympics 2024. This is a clear sign that the event is gaining increasing international recognition,” adds Jacopo Scotty, organizer of Check The Style. “For four days, L’Aquila will become an international hub of hip hop culture, with important educational activities in a year when the city holds the title of Italian Capital of Culture 2026.”
Jacopo Scotti, organizer of Check The Style
With more than two decades of history behind it, Check The Style has evolved into a landmark event within the international hip hop landscape, drawing thousands of participants each year. Its enduring success highlights the potential of urban culture as a unifying force, capable of bridging diverse communities through shared artistic language.
The L’Aquila gathering marks the second of four major European events scheduled for 2026 as part of the Breaking The Walls program. Backed by European funding, the project aims to reach over 500,000 young people, offering pathways for self-expression, personal growth, and intercultural dialogue.
More information on the project timeline and participation opportunities can be found at breakingthewalls.eu and on Instagram at @breakingthewalls.eu.
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